Many bird species are known to be highly sensitive to climate and weather changes, so are at high risk of climate change impacting distribution, population and extinction rates. As climate change shifts the timing of seasonal events, this is having a significant effect on bird species; particularly migratory species that are biologically tuned to the seasonal timing of multiple continents.
Pacific Islands play a significant role for many migratory birds, with both the East Asian—Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and West Pacific Flyway migratory routes crossing the paths of Pacific Nations. The effects of not only climate change but industrialisation and urbanisation across the Pacific is impacting both migratory species and many native Pacific species.
The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) lists only four areas in the Pacific that are classified as Bird Sanctuaries or Bird Reserves. However, many other areas also have a high conservation value related to protecting bird species which may or may not be recognised.
We invite you to join our Talanoa discussion on bird sanctuaries by sharing your experiences in this area, challenges and successes.